Proud Chinese air force colonel takes military parade’s armed helicopters on detour for hometown fly-past

A Chinese air force colonel was so proud to be in last week’s military parade in Beijing, marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war, that he took a short detour back to base – leading his team of 10 armed helicopters in a fly-past over his hometown, mainland media reports.

Xu Desheng, who flew at the front of the formation of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s battle helicopters during the huge parade, chose a route that took them over the city of his birth, Xiantao, in Hubei province, as they returned  to Guangzhou, Chutian Metropolitan Daily said.

“After leaving home many years ago, I missed the old folks in my hometown very much,” said Xu, 40, a star pilot in the army.

“I hoped to take a look at my birthplace from the sky one more time and share my pride at the special occasion with everyone there.”

His application to make the detour to Xiantao was approved by the PLA.